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Can anyone help?

I don't know what these are and aren't sure if they are friends or foes.

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Comment by Bob Rogers aka The White Lion on February 18, 2013 at 11:23am: They look like an aphid from the detail I can make out. They would be good fish food but only an hors d'oeuvre or more commonly known as a tiny snack, depending on the size of the fish. It's all good protein to them.

Comment by Garnett Henderson on May 29, 2012 at 8:44pm: Fish food - good idea.

@Vlad We had a neighbor feed the fish for a few days while we were out of town. Yes, something went very wrong (the silver lining seemed to be that the plants got a super charge). We are back on track now. I have marigolds planted, can't find nosturtiums anywhere locally, but so far we seem to be back on track with a vacuum nearby.

Also, the next task seems to be keeping Ph up. I am following conversation from yesterday, lots of helpful tips.

Comment by Dawn Owens on May 29, 2012 at 5:31pm: Looks like fish food to me :) Throw them in the water tank.

Comment by Glen McDonald on May 28, 2012 at 9:30pm: Hmmm they look easy enough to kill...all clustered in a group like that. One good swat and boom they are gone.

Comment by Vlad Jovanovic on May 23, 2012 at 1:59am: Just use some common sense precautions when using soap or oils (both are OK in an organic garden, but can potentially do a number on the fish if too much gets in the water...and apparently the microbial colony)...like covering your fish tank to protect it from over spray...trying to get as little drip into the media beds blablabla...

Why the "ehhem"? Do I detect that something went 'wrogn' with 'the plan'?

Comment by Garnett Henderson on May 22, 2012 at 8:04pm: Very helpful info, ComunityAP, thank you!

Comment by David on May 22, 2012 at 7:54pm: People who don't know about bacteria recommend soap as a deterrent. Let me just say that it will destroy the bacteria, tank and ability to cycle if it gets in your system. I'd recommend a black strap molasses solution first. It will restore the plant's scent and aid in building a stronger BB colony while keeping the bugs at bay. The bugs are there because they detected an unhealthy plant. Black strap molasses is like plant camouflage while the system is still developing.

Comment by Garnett Henderson on May 22, 2012 at 5:54pm: Thanks, Vlad. As we are, ehhem, between fish currently I followed this advice from a friend . . .

To stay on the safe side, treat clusters of insects as foes. For a quick eco-friendly way to deter them, mix 3-4 ounces of a lemon-scented dish detergent into a gallon of water and spray your plants. (Add a couple teaspoons of Tabasco sauce if the bugs are really bad.

Comment by matthew ferrell on May 22, 2012 at 5:34pm: boooo, now you have work to do.